Chinese activist Li Qiaochu has faced trial on charges of “inciting subversion of state power,” part of China’s broader crackdown on dissent. Li’s lawyer, Li Guobei, reported being denied entry to the closed-door trial held in Linyi, Shandong. The 32-year-old, in custody since March 2021, potentially faces a prison term of five years or more. The trial concluded without a verdict, as reported by the FreeLiqiaochu Facebook page, a platform tracking updates on the case.
Li initially gained attention for tweeting about the harsh detention conditions of her partner and fellow activist, Xu Zhiyong. She has steadfastly maintained a “firm” stance against pleading guilty, even facing hallucinations during detention, according to her lawyer.
The activist was first summoned in December 2019, held briefly in February 2020 for criticizing police treatment, released on bail, and arrested again in March 2021. Ahead of the trial, the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China called for Li’s “unconditional release,” citing her reported need for urgent medical treatment. The commission denounced the “absurd” charges, emphasizing her exposure of torture faced by Xu and Ding Jiaxi, both jailed for subversion.
Li, charged with “inciting subversion,” is considered influenced by Xu’s subversive thoughts, as per her indictment. Amnesty International stated that her trial underscores the oppressive environment for human rights advocacy in China. Luo Shengchun, Ding’s wife, urged the state to halt persecution, revealing rejections of family meeting requests by authorities.
Li, formerly employed at Beijing’s Tsinghua University, researched women’s and workers’ rights. In 2017, she aided evicted migrant workers in securing new jobs and played an active role in China’s #MeToo movement by compiling data on sexual harassment allegations.
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